Of all the restaurants I visited in my childhood and adolescence, it was Michel Bras that I remembered most vividly and it was the chef himself to whom, early on in my cooking, I would make the most references. I don’t mean that I tried to cook like him. Rather, that I tried to think like him.

In this statement, Dominique Crenn reflects on her childhood experiences visiting various restaurants, highlighting one particular establishment that left a lasting impression: Michel Bras. Rather than aspiring to emulate the chef’s culinary techniques directly, she found herself contemplating his approach and philosophy towards cooking.

The quote delves into the profound influence chefs can have beyond just their recipes or dishes. Crenn emphasizes the importance of understanding a chef's mindset and creative process rather than merely replicating their methods. This suggests that true learning involves absorbing and internalizing the essence of an innovator’s thinking, which can inspire one to develop unique approaches of their own. By drawing from the spirit behind Michel Bras’s culinary philosophy, Crenn was able to foster her creativity and forge a distinct path in the culinary world.

Dominique Crenn is a renowned chef based in San Francisco who has been at the forefront of modern American cuisine for several decades. Known for her avant-garde approach to French-inspired cooking, she operates multiple restaurants that have received critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including being named as one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world. Her culinary philosophy centers around sustainability, artistry, and a deep connection with nature, all of which reflect her admiration for pioneering chefs like Michel Bras.